A strong majority — 59% — of Overland Park voters believe city tax increases hurt the local economy. Twenty-one percent (21%) of voters believe tax increases help the economy. Fifteen percent (15%) believe there is no impact on the economy, and 6% are undecided.

When it comes to cuts in city government spending, a plurality — 44% — believe they help the local economy. Twenty-seven percent (27%) believe spending cuts hurt the local economy, 22% believe there is no impact on the economy, and 7% are undecided.

Our own results among Overland Park voters compare closely with national results by the respected polling firm Rasmussen Reports. On April 30, 2011, Rasmussen wrote:

“A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters say, generally speaking, tax cuts help the economy. Most voters have shared that sentiment in surveys for years. Only 21% believe tax cuts hurt the economy, while 13% say they have no impact. Another 13% are not sure. (to see survey question wording, click here.) A plurality (48%) of voters say decreases in government spending will help the economy. Twenty-nine percent (29%) say cutting government spending will hurt the economy. Ten percent (10%) believe such decreases will have no impact, while 13% are not sure. These findings, too, have remained fairly consistent over the years.”

Question: “Do you think city tax increases help the local economy, hurt the local economy, or have no impact on the economy?” (Question #12 on our survey)

Impact of city tax increaseson local economy: CountPercent
Help the local economy: 71 20.9%

Hurt the local economy: 199 58.5%

No impact: 50 14.7%

Undecided: 20 5.9%

Total: 340 100%

Question: “Do you think decreases in government spending by the city, would help the local economy, hurt the local economy, or have no impact on the economy?” (Question #13 on our survey)

Impact of city spendingcuts on local economy:CountPercent
Help the local economy: 149 43.8%

Hurt the local economy: 93 27.4%

No impact: 76 22.4%

Undecided: 22 6.5%

Total: 340 100%

Further information on methodology: The survey was performed using a recorded voice, and respondents were asked to push buttons to answer questions. Voters were called if they were registered to vote in Overland Park, and if they had voted in the November election of 2008 and/or the November election of 2010. Gender and age were determined by question, and party affiliation was determined by registration data.

TO COMPARE:A Look at Similar National Polls

- On April 30, 2011, Rasmussen Reports wrote:“A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters say, generally speaking, tax cuts help the economy. Most voters have shared that sentiment in surveys for years. Only 21% believe tax cuts hurt the economy, while 13% say they have no impact. Another 13% are not sure (to see survey question wording, click here).

A plurality (48%) of voters say decreases in government spending will help the economy. Twenty-nine percent (29%) say cutting government spending will hurt the economy. Ten percent (10%) believe such decreases will have no impact, while 13% are not sure. These findings, too, have remained fairly consistent over the years.”

- On August 12, 2011, Rasmussen wrote: “When it comes to job creation and improving the overall economy, voters think tax cuts will work better than government solutions. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that 62% believe cutting taxes is better than increasing government spending when it comes to creating jobs. Twenty percent (20%) say increased government spending does more to create jobs, while nearly the same number (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) Voters are more narrowly divided on what’s better for the economy in the long term. While 38% think government job creation is the better way to go, 49% say tax cuts are a better long-term solution. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure.

These results are not surprising considering voters have consistently said that cutting taxes and reducing government spending are good for the economy.

The partisan differences are predictable. Republicans and voters not affiliated with either party strongly favor tax cuts over increased government spending to create jobs, while Democrats are evenly divided on the question. Most Democrats (60%) view government job creation as better for the economy in the long run, while 77% of Republicans and the plurality (47%) of unaffiliated voters see tax cuts as a better economic move.”

- From a July 20-24 poll, the Pew Research Center asked: “If the government makes major cuts in federal spending in an effort to reduce the budget deficit, do you think these cuts would help the job situation, hurt the job situation, or not have much of an effect either way?”

Pew Research found:

26% thought it would help the job situation

27% thought it would hurt the job situation

39% thought it would not have much of an effect

1% thought it would have a mixed effect

7% were unsure or refused to answer

Remember, this tax increase affects you, whether or not you live in Overland Park. When one local government increases taxes, it gives cover for other cities and schools to do the same. They’re confident that you, the voter, will not be paying close enough attention to these tax increases. And don’t just take my word for it. Consider these words from Kansas City Star editorial board member Yael Abouhalkah, about Overland Park city manager Bill Ebel: “Ebel has become somewhat of a hero to other city administrators in the Kansas City region. Most of them would love to make a similar proposal to retain employees and maintain services.”